Basics & Buying Advice: Headphones

Basics & Buying Advice: Headphones

For immersive, critical listening while at work or while just kicking back on the couch, nothing’s more satisfying than a really nice pair of cans.

The Basics:

They sound better, right?
Right. Full-size headphones offer full-size audio quality. The larger drivers produce an expansive soundstage with richer bass. Unlike in-ear models (earbuds and in-ear monitors that actually insert into your ear canal), these headphones sit over your ears. There are actually two types of headphone fit: over-the-ear and on-the-ear. Over-the-ear headphones are circumaural, meaning each cup surrounds the entire ear, blocking out ambient noise and providing richer, more natural audio. They’re more comfortable too. The big cups are usually padded with velvet or leather, making them better suited to marathon listening sessions. On-the-ear models are usually less bulky and more compact, making them better for mobile use. But since they press your ears against your head like so much sandwich meat, they aren’t as comfortable to wear for long periods.

Are these the same ones they use in pro studios?
Yes, but studio headphones differ slightly from consumer offerings. Some won’t plug into your mobile or laptop audio jack without an adapter, and others require more signal strength than a smartphone or tablet can crank out. Also, many high-end headphones are tuned for specialized tasks like mixing and mastering, whereas consumer models feature a sound signature that’s better for all-around use. Consumer models tend to have slightly boosted bass and slightly tempered highs — this makes them more comfortable for everyday, non-critical listening.

But aren’t they too big for mobile use?
While some full-size headphones fold up or tuck into a case, they’re certainly not as travel-friendly as a pair of earbuds. But if you value comfort and sound quality, the added bulk is worth it. Also, with the explosion in mobile bandwidth and over-the-air streaming services, manufacturers are adjusting their full-size headphone lines and introducing models more directly geared for mobile environments.

Buying Advice:

Over-the-ear headphones have either open- or closed-back ear cups. Open allows sound waves to escape, for a more natural soundstage. But they also advertise your King Crimson fandom to the world. We recommend closed-back models; though more bassy, they’re far better at containing sound. (If blocking external noise is your primary concern, a pair of in-ear headphones will always be better.) For on-the-ear models, comfort is just as important as sound. Try them out in the store if you can, and if you can’t, make sure you buy them from a store with a good return policy. They may sound great, but if you can’t stand wearing them for any more than an hour, they’re not worth it. If you’ll be using your headphones with mobile devices, buy a model with an impedance rating of between 16 and 64 ohms. Anything higher and your music may sound thin unless you use an amplifier to boost your signal strength.